civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 

: characteristic of a state of civilization

civilized society

especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms

• cultured
• polished
• accomplished

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.

Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.

Try to act like a civilized human being!

a civilized way to spend the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

In Families Like Ours, the slowly rising North Sea forces Denmark to follow Holland’s example and—in an orderly and civilized manner—evacuate the entire country. —Air Mail, 21 June 2025

In civilized countries, law enforcement officers wear nametags and numbered badges. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025

Iran has been stringing along international watchdogs and civilized nations for years regarding its nuclear program. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025

The whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists. —Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing civilized

• civilized world
• hyper-civilized
• ultra-civilized

Rhymes for civilized

• acclimatized
• actualized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised